By Shexroz Jalg
Copyright qalampir
The sale of more than 25 kilograms of narcotics smuggled from Afghanistan was prevented in the Fergana region and the Republic of Karakalpakstan, the State Security Service reported.
According to the agency, a private entrepreneur born in 1983, a resident of Margilan, and his accomplice born in 1989 were detained with material evidence while taking possession of 9 kilograms and 896 grams of hashish. The drugs had been smuggled from Afghanistan into the Surkhandarya region by couriers, then transported to the Yazyavan district of Fergana and hidden in a field.
In addition, 14,500 US dollars and 6.25 million soums were seized from the private entrepreneur, who attempted to flee the scene.
During a subsequent pre-investigation search, authorities seized 110 grams of opium, two electronic scales, 1,200 US dollars, and 28 million soums from the apartment of a third suspect involved in the illegal operation. These drugs were reportedly intended for distribution in the Fergana Valley.
As part of the ongoing fight against drug smuggling along the Afghanistan route, another operation was carried out by the State Security Service.
In this case, a resident of Turtkul district in Karakalpakstan, born in 1963 and previously convicted of drug trafficking, colluded with a citizen born in 1978 from Khazorasp district of Khorezm region. Together, they allegedly ordered a large shipment of narcotics from Afghan traffickers for resale.
The drugs were transported by couriers from Afghanistan to Surkhandarya, then left in a secret location in the Turtkul district.
During the operation, the two suspects were detained with physical evidence while collecting 6 kilograms and 149 grams of opium and 9 kilograms and 814 grams of poppy straw from the hiding place.
A criminal case has been opened against them under Part 2 of Article 28,246 (Smuggling) and Part 5 of Article 273 (Illegal preparation, acquisition, storage, and other actions for the purpose of trafficking narcotic drugs, their analogues, or psychotropic substances, as well as their illegal trafficking) of the Criminal Code. Both have been placed under arrest, and investigators are working to identify their criminal connections.
It should be noted that earlier, individuals in the Namangan and Fergana regions were detained for bringing large quantities of potent narcotics from Kyrgyzstan.
